The 2014 Porsche 911 Targa is taking a page from the past or, more specifically, a silver-colored roll bar. Spotted in Germany while undergoing testing ahead of its arrival next year, this Targa prototype offers the clearest preview we've seen of Porsche's latest sun-loving model. Unlike recent iterations of the 911 Targa, which have used a large retractable glass roof panel, this version appears to have a completely removable center section located between the windshield and roll bar.

This arrangement hasn't been used in nearly two decades – the 964 generation, built from 1989-1994, was the last to feature the 'classic' targa top. The first 911 Targa appeared in the late 1960s, and the model has played a vital role in terms of Porsche's U.S. sales ever since.

As we noted back in August 2011, the Targa hoop might also be available in a retro-themed brushed aluminum finish. Other colors could be optional, depending on the paint job and trim level chosen. Throw on a set of vintage Fuchs-style alloy wheels – along with an avocado green or pumpkin orange paintjob – and you'll have a thoroughly modern 911 with the retro-themed allure of a classic example (minus the twitchy swing-axle rear end).

Like the standard 911 coupe, the Targa will be available with a 350-bhp 3.4-liter or 400-bhp 3.6-liter flat-6 engine, coupled to either a 7-speed manual or 7-speed paddle-shift twin-clutch PDK transmission. An official debut early next year at Geneva Auto Show seems likely, with sales to follow shortly thereafter.